The Philippines health authorities on Friday reported two new cases of Zika virus, bringing the total to 17 so far.

Health Secretary Paulyn Urial said the new cases were discovered in the cities of Makati and Quezon, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Department of Health has advised Filipinos who are experiencing Zika symptoms to immediately consult doctors.

Zika virus is acquired through bites from infected Aedes aegypti mosquitos, the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya. Common symptoms include fever, skin rashes, joint pains and conjunctivitis.

There is no available vaccine to prevent the mosquito-borne virus. But medical experts said the symptoms of Zika virus could be treated with common pain and fever medicine, rest and enough water intake.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that Zika virus infection is "highly likely to further spread in the Western Pacific Region", and added that the region is facing "uncertainties" on how to deal with the mosquito-borne virus.

"Considering the uncertainties, the possibility of observing complications associated with Zika virus infection may increase," the WHO said.

--IANS

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